This week we bring you the third set of finalists in SALIFE's Absolute Best Awards for 2022 in the categories of Absolute Best Regional Experience, Artist and Designer.

Following a round of public nominations, 33 finalists in 11 categories have been selected as finalists in SALIFE’s Absolute Best Awards for 2022.

Today, we reveal the finalists in the categories of Absolute Best Regional Experience, Absolute Best South Australian Artist and Absolute Best South Australian Designer.

Winners in each category will be announced at the SALIFE Absolute Best Awards event on Thursday, December 8, to be held at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall.

Congratulations to our next set of finalists:

Absolute Best Regional Experience, sponsored by Finsbury Green

The Angas family have been running primary production on Hutton Vale Farm in the Barossa Ranges for nearly 180 years. To this day, they continue with sheep production, crops and vineyard, and in the past decade, have been inviting guests onto the property for special experiences and accommodation.

The d’Arenberg Cube is an absolute must-see destination in South Australia, with incredible food, wine, art and experiences to be devoured. The Cube offers panoramic views across McLaren Vale, paired with tastings conducted by the knowledgeable team.

Next year, The Bend Motorsport Park celebrates its fifth birthday and in that time, the Tailem Bend venue been hosting major motorsport and entertainment events, as well as bringing motorsport fans from across the world to enjoy the facilities they have to offer. The Bend offers their Driver Experience Program, where customers can drive around the circuit in a choice of several cars, including a Porsche GT3 Cup car and Formula 3 Open Wheeler.

 

Absolute Best Artist, sponsored by du Plessis Auction Gallery

Bringing to the fore a range of voices who identify as women to voice their opinions on the idea of the invisibility that occurs as women age, Margaret Ambridge’s exhibition Becoming invisible? featured more than 100 portraits and installations. Working with predominately charcoal, Margaret has been a finalist in many Australian art prizes, including the Dobel Drawing Prize, Blake Prize, Waterhouse and the Kedumba Drawing Award.

Julia Robinson describes herself as a sculptor with an eye for detail and a dark sense of humour. “As an artist, I believe in the ability to bring conversations to light, enlarge our view of the world, reveal hidden truths an offer different perspectives,” Julia says. Julia’s work has been exhibited across Australia and recently at Hugo Michell Gallery, where The Beckoning Blade was on show.

A painter/artist for 35 years, Daryl Austin has also been teaching painting at the Adelaide Central School of Art for more than 20 years. Daryl’s work tends towards portraiture, urban landscape and still life. Daryl is currently busy completing a collection of paintings titled Disruption, Fictions to be exhibited at Newmarch Gallery in April of next year.

 

Absolute Best Designer, sponsored by Terrace Floors + Furnishings

The creative touch of bespoke interior design studio Georgie Shepherd Interior Design can be found in both residential and commercial settings around the state. GSID’s signature is warm, inviting spaces, which they create in collaboration with local artisans and designers to ensure unique, custom pieces are part of their vision. Their classic, contemporary style pairs with robust natural materials to celebrate their beauty.

Iconic South Australian label Paolo Sebastian consistently makes waves around the world with their timeless, ethereal couture gowns. From their Gouger Street atelier, designer Paul Vasileff and his talented team created their latest collection, Moonlight Serenade. The dreamy collection is full of glitz and sparkle, with the brand’s signature soft femininity.

Khai Liew is a stalwart in South Australian design, whose works reference time, place, people and culture. The Design Institute Hall of Fame inductee creates his meaningful pieces from his Norwood studio, along with a team of highly-skilled craftspeople. Liew’s designs have been exhibited at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the Triennale De Milano and in permanent collections in several galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia, Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Find out more about the SALIFE Absolute Best Awards.